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| Valley of Jammu and Kashmir |
🏞️ Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir:
From Sikh Rule to Accession with India
Jammu and Kashmir, often called the "Crown of India", has a rich and complex history. The modern phase of its history begins in the early 19th century and spans crucial events like the Treaty of Amritsar, Dogra rule, political movements, and the state's accession to India in 1947.
🔹 Sikh Rule in Kashmir (1819–1846)
In 1819, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the powerful ruler of the Sikh Empire, defeated the Afghans and annexed Kashmir into his dominion. This ended decades of Afghan misrule.
The Sikhs ruled Kashmir for 27 years.
Though they brought stability, their administration was strict and often harsh, especially for the local Muslim population.
🔹 Treaty of Amritsar (1846): Birth of the Princely State
After the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–46), the British East India Company defeated the Sikhs. Under the Treaty of Lahore, the British took control of Kashmir and later sold it to Gulab Singh, the Dogra ruler of Jammu, for Rs. 75 lakhs through the Treaty of Amritsar (1846).
📌 Significance:
This treaty created the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under Dogra rule.
Gulab Singh became the first Maharaja.
🔹 Dogra Rule (1846–1947): Four Generations of Rulers
✅ Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846–1857)
Expanded his kingdom to include Ladakh, Baltistan, and Gilgit.
Laid the foundation of a strong Dogra dynasty.
✅ Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857–1885)
Codified laws and promoted education.
Maintained good ties with the British.
✅ Maharaja Pratap Singh (1885–1925)
Development of infrastructure like roads and communication systems.
British intervention in administration increased during his reign.
✅ Maharaja Hari Singh (1925–1947)
The last ruler of the Dogra dynasty.
Introduced reforms in education, abolished child marriage, and attempted social improvements.
Faced growing political opposition and unrest.
🔹 Political Awakening and Nationalism
By the early 20th century, discontent was growing, especially among the Muslim majority, due to the autocratic rule and socio-economic inequalities.
1931: A turning point year, marked by protests and riots against Dogra rule.
1932: Formation of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference by Sheikh Abdullah and others.
Later transformed into the National Conference, which adopted a secular and pro-democracy approach.
The National Conference demanded constitutional reforms, land rights, and responsible governance.
🔹 Accession Crisis and Integration into India (1947)
When British India was partitioned in 1947, princely states were given the option to join India or Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir, with a Muslim-majority population but a Hindu king (Hari Singh), initially chose to remain independent.
However:
In October 1947, tribal militias from Pakistan invaded Kashmir.
In response, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947, seeking Indian military help.
Indian troops were airlifted to defend Kashmir, leading to the First Indo-Pak War (1947–48).
🗂️ Summary Table
Period Ruler/Authority Key Developments
1819–1846 Sikh Empire Ranjit Singh defeats Afghans
1846 British-Dogra Treaty Treaty of Amritsar; Gulab Singh becomes Maharaja
1846–1947 Dogra Rule Reforms, expansion, rise of political movements
1947 Maharaja Hari Singh Accession to India after Pakistani invasion
🧭 Conclusion
The modern history of Jammu and Kashmir is a tale of shifting powers, cultural richness, political awakenings, and strategic importance. From being a part of the Sikh Empire to becoming a princely state under the Dogras, and finally acceding to the Indian Union, Kashmir’s journey is a crucial chapter in the modern history of the Indian subcontinent.
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